Poem: Learning To Love My Body

I came into the world
Small and afraid.
Had to take me
Forcibly
From my mother’s womb.
I am told
I was beautiful
Though I cried a lot
Struggled to sleep.
Slow to talk
Slow to walk.
As I grew
Learned not to trust
My own body.
Grew to hate it
Despise it
Wish it were different
See it only as weakness.
Had only a slight inkling
Of the good
The potential
In my body.
Then
Slowly but surely
I started anew.
Began to explore
Cautiously at first
But with growing confidence
What my body could do.
I swam
I skied
I practiced Tai Chi
I ran and I walked.
I even began
To explore my sexuality
Awakened my genitals
Felt more alive.
Now
I am confident
I am comfortable
I am in control.
I delight in
And I love
My body.
Praise God
For making matter good.
Making me
Learn to love
My body.